Trubaldsome sipped his wine more slowly now as he listened, his expression more reflective now. Occasionally he murmured his agreement with some word of Aulon's, nodding his assent. "Yes... Yes, what you say does make sense, indeed. Although I would not say that Miring is such a brilliant kingdom; indeed, my father was never much one for experimentation, despite his strong rule, and my brother, Leuki, well he has run the place into the ground."
He held the cup in one hand, swilling it around.
"Indeed, I would be most grateful to your family for having a hand in restoring Miring to it's former glory- No, not even that; making it better than it has ever been, our families' allegiance would pass down through the ages."
But now his expression became grim, he sat foward a little, and gestured with his cup towards the entrance of the tent, where the two bodyguards could be seen. He indicated first Waery, and then Asate. "As you have no-doubt noticed, I must keep my manservant with me always, and I note you do the same. You and I are not so unalike; we both have enemies, and I can assure you there are many who would oppose my rightful ascension to the throne, looking to line their own pockets..."
He began to shift a little in his chair. The mellowing effects of the wine were fading, and he wished only for the comfort of his own tent, his snuffbox, and perhaps the remnants of the substance Drua had prepared for him.
He did not feel so good; in fact he began to feel rather dreadful as the discussion went on.
"Well, my dear friend yl Marchis, I am afraid I must retire, if you shall excuse me." He rose, a little unsteadily, to his feet, and extended a hand towards Aulon. "Those days of hard riding have taken their toll on me, you see; I am still sadly recovering. I shall look fowards to our next meeting, hm?"
((Please excuse any typing errors, inconsistencies or bits that don't make sense, tired here.
))